In 1803, Ohio was created from Ohio Territory. Statewide registration of births began in 1908 in Ohio. Records before 1908 are found in the Probate Court in the county where the birth occurrd. The Ohio Historical Society has copies of birth records for many counties from 1867.

Next Step: When did the birth occur?

Births before 18--

Ohio did not exist at this time and was known as the state of ------. Before 18--, no births were recorded by the county or state. You must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s birth date and place.

Births from 19-- thru 19--

STEP ONE: Find Birth Information

Limited births maybe found in the following databases. Try each link. If you do not find your ancestor's birth or if you want order a copy of the certificate, then contact the Ohio Department of Health office.

Births from 19-- thru 1908

Limited births maybe found in the following databases. Try each link. If you do not find your ancestor's birth or if you want order a copy of the certificate, then contact the Ohio Vital Registration office.

Restrictions for Obtaining Birth Records

Restrictions for persons born within the last 100 years: To obtain a copy of the birth certificate for those born in Ohio the following restrictions may apply. State law restricts who may obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate. A certified copy may be issued to:

The person named on the record

The current spouse of the person named on the record

The current domestic partner of the person named on the record

A parent of the person named on the record

A sibling of the person named on the record

A child of the person named on the record

A grandparent of the person named on the record

A person authorized in writing by one of the above. The written authorization must accompany the request and the relationship of the authorizing party to the subject of the record must be clearly explained.

A person who can demonstrate that the record is required to protect a personal or property right.

If you do not meet one of the above criteria, you cannot receive a certified copy of a birth certificate.

An uncertified copy of a birth certificate is available to anyone who applies. An uncertified copy will contain the same information as a certified copy but will not be acceptable for legal purposes, such as obtaining identification.